World Health Organization identifies new gaming disorder

GAMER: The World Health Organization draft "gaming disorder" as a new disease.

The World Health Organization has included a condition known as “gaming disorder” within its draft of the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases.

The draft document outlines the disorder as a pattern of persistent gaming behaviour that is characterised by “impaired control over gaming” and when “gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities”.

According to the WHO website the incorporation of a disorder within the ICD is a decision which countries take into account when devising public health strategies and monitoring trends of disorders.

The WHO said studies suggest the disorder only affects a small amount of people who engage in digital gaming activities.

However, they also warned individuals that engage should be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming.